Synthetic fur and process for preparation thereof

Abstract

A synthetic fur closely resembling a natural fur comprises relatively long and thick guard hair-like raised synthetic fibers, each having a transverse cross-section wherein at least one constricted part is formed, and underfur-like raised synthetic fibers, each having a rate of dissolution in a solvent or of hydrolysis with a hydrolyzing agent higher than that of said guard hair-like raised fibers, and a length and fineness less than those of said guard hair-like raised fibers. The synthetic fur is prepared by applying a viscous treating liquid containing a solvent or hydrolyzing agent to a raised surface of a fabric comprising relatively thick raised synthetic fibers, each having a transverse cross-section wherein at least one constricted part is formed, and relatively fine raised synthetic fibers, each having a rate of dissolution in the solvent or of hydrolysis with the hydrolyzing agent higher than that of said relatively thick raised fibers.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for preparing a synthetic fur comprising applying a viscous treating liquid containing a solvent or hydrolyzing agent and having a viscosity of 1,000 to 15,000 C.P. to a raised surface of a fabric comprising relatively thick raised synthetic fibers, each having a transverse cross-section wherein at least one constricted part is formed, and relatively fine raised synthetic fibers, each having a rate of dissolution in the solvent or of hydrolysis with the hydrolyzing agent higher than that of said relatively thick raised synthetic fibers, to produce raised fibers different in length. 
     
     
       2. A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end portions of a majority of said relatively thick raised synthetic fibers are divided into plural fibers at the constricted part or parts in each of their transverse cross-sections by the action of the solvent or hydrolyzing agent. 
     
     
       3. A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said relatively thick raised synthetic fibers are made from polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyamides. 
     
     
       4. A process as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein said fabric is positioned with said raised synthetic fibers upwardly and said treating liquid is then applied to said raised surface. 
     
     
       5. A process as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3, further comprising subjecting said fabric to heat treatment after applying said treating liquid. 
     
     
       6. A process as claimed in claim 5 wherein said heat treating step is conducted in dry air at 130°-200° C. for 30 seconds to 20 minutes, in saturated steam at 100°-130° C. for 5-40 minutes, or in superheated steam at 130°-200° C. for 5-30 minutes. 
     
     
       7. A process as claimed in claim 6, wherein said heat treatment step is in saturated steam at 100°-130° C. for 5-40 minutes. 
     
     
       8. A process as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein said treating liquid contains a thickener selected from the group consisting of wheat starch, rice bran, tragacanth gum, sodium alginate, locust bean gum, methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and polysodium acrylate.